How to Make Vietnamese Seafood Dishes for Dinner

Vietnamese seafood dishes are renowned for their vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients. If you're looking to elevate your dinner with some delicious Vietnamese cuisine, you're in the right place! Here’s how to prepare some popular Vietnamese seafood dishes that are sure to impress your family and friends.

1. Vietnamese Grilled Shrimp (Tôm Nướng)

Grilling is a popular cooking method in Vietnam, and grilled shrimp is a delightful dish. Here’s how to make it:

  • Ingredients: 500g of large shrimp, 2 tablespoons of fish sauce, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, and some crushed chili flakes.
  • Instructions:
    1. Clean the shrimp and marinate them with fish sauce, sugar, minced garlic, and chili flakes for at least 30 minutes.
    2. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat.
    3. Skewer the marinated shrimp and grill them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are cooked through and have nice grill marks.
    4. Serve with fresh lime wedges and a side of rice or vermicelli noodles.

2. Vietnamese Crab Soup (Bánh Canh Cua)

This comforting crab soup is perfect for a hearty dinner. Follow these steps for a delicious bowl:

  • Ingredients: 300g crab meat, 200g bánh canh (thick tapioca noodles), 1 liter of chicken broth, 2 tablespoons of fish sauce, and green onions.
  • Instructions:
    1. In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil and add the fish sauce.
    2. Add the bánh canh noodles and cook them until they are tender.
    3. Gently stir in the crab meat and simmer for about 5-7 minutes.
    4. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot, alongside slices of lime.

3. Vietnamese Fish Salad (Gỏi Cá)

Fish salad is a fresh and healthy choice that showcases the zest of Vietnamese flavors. Here’s how to make it:

  • Ingredients: 300g of cooked fish (salmon or catfish work well), 1 cup of shredded cabbage, 1 carrot (julienned), fresh herbs (mint, cilantro), and a tangy dressing (lime juice, fish sauce, sugar).
  • Instructions:
    1. Flake the cooked fish into a bowl and combine it with shredded cabbage, carrot, and fresh herbs.
    2. In a separate bowl, whisk together lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar to create the dressing.
    3. Pour the dressing over the fish mixture and toss gently to combine.
    4. Serve chilled, garnished with additional herbs for an extra flavor kick.

4. Vietnamese Squid Stir Fry (Mực Xào)

A quick and flavorful stir-fry dish that’s perfect for a busy evening!

  • Ingredients: 300g squid (cleaned and sliced), 1 bell pepper, 1 onion, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and a handful of basil.
  • Instructions:
    1. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
    2. Add sliced onions and bell pepper and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
    3. Add the squid and cook until it's just opaque, about 1-2 minutes.
    4. Pour in the soy sauce and add fresh basil before serving.

These Vietnamese seafood dishes not only taste incredible but are also easy to prepare. With fresh ingredients and aromatic flavors, they are perfect for your next dinner gathering. Enjoy your culinary adventure into Vietnamese cuisine!